Woollahra opens its heart to Watson

By Don Deakin-Bell

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Double Bay last month to watch members of HMAS Watson seek Freedom of Entry to the municipality of Woollahra.

Police Superintendent Alan Baines challenged Watson’s commanding officer CAPT Peter Murray.

At this point CPONPC Greg Crannage showed SUPT Baines the scroll from Woollahra Council granting freedom of entry in appreciation of Watson’s service to the community.

Acknowledging this right, SUPT Baines allowed the 230 members of the ship’s company and the Navy Band to pass and take the salute from the Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor John Comino, and the Director General Naval Personnel and Training, CDRE Simon Hart.

The Right of Freedom of Entry to Woollahra is a significant symbolic event that denotes the good relationship between the Navy represented by HMAS Watson and the local people, CAPT Murray said.

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